CORONATION Street’s new boss Kate Brooks has warned there are several shock exits coming as she wields the axe on the cast.
The producer – who previously helmed sister soap Emmerdale – has opened up about her plans for the show for the new year.
Speaking to The Sun about the exciting storylines coming up, producer Kate said: “There are a few exits this year, and some unexpected ones that will send shockwaves.
“People might not expect the exits, but there are a few.”
However while several cast are set to leave the how, Kate’s making her mark with a series of comebacks and new additions.
Villain Rob Donovan will be making a big return, causing chaos for his son Bobby, sister Carla and her new relationship with Lisa Swain.
Actor Marc Baylis has already returned to filming with Kate explaining: “We last left Rob languishing in prison.
“He made mistakes. He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether that’s the case or not, I don’t know!
“He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa.
“Just when Carla and Lisa think it’s safe to sit down and watch Netflix, Rob Donovan comes along and scuppers all of that.
“So, it’s a big story for them and a big story for Rob. Lots of twists and turns.”
And Kate is introducing a long forgotten character who was first mentioned almost 40 years ago.
She is bringing in Kevin and Debbie Webster’s brother Carl who has never before been seen on screen.
Kate revealed: “We’ve got Carl Webster coming into the show, who is Debbie and Kevin’s brother, to build up that Webster clan.
“We’ve got big stories coming up for Debbie and Kevin. It’s about building that clan up. For me, the Websters, Barlows and Platts are the big clans.”
The Sun’s Soaps Editor Carl Greenwood reveals why a cast cull may not be the worst thing for the show
CORONATION Street is one of the most-watched shows on television.
Millions of people tune in each week to watch the goings on in Weatherfield – but the show no longer commands the 20million that watched in its heyday.
And while it may be ITV’s most-watched how – the reality is that the television advertising market has nose-dived along with viewing figures.
Putting out three hours of Corrie a week is a huge task – and it comes with a huge bill. There’s a budget crisis at ITV and it is affecting the soap.
Characters disappear for months on end with no explanation – Gail Platt barely appeared in her own exit storyline for crying out loud.
If the characters aren’t being used – it’s time for bosses to take the tough decisions and axe them.
There are a raft of characters that are well-passed their sell-by-dates and dragging the show down.
If Corrie is to survive – let alone thrive – Kate is going to have to be ruthless.
And it won’t be a moment too soon as Kevin faces a cancer battle when he discovers he has testicular cancer.
There will also be a new family being introduced, a huge house fire stunt and a harrowing knife crime storyline in the first few months of the year.
